The Kids Are All Right Outtakes by grey_gazania

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Henthael & Ianneth (Set after Chapter 3)

Henthael was in the washhouse, scrubbing at a stubborn stain on his favorite tunic, when Lady Ianneth set up shop beside him, a basket full of sheets in her arms.

 

“My lady,” he said, giving her a respectful nod – the best greeting he could manage when his hands were covered in soap. Technically, with Fingon dead, Ianneth no longer held the title of queen, but in Henthael’s head, he still thought of her that way. He may have had a dim view of Fingon, but that had never extended to the man’s wife, who was kind, a skilled healer, and one of the most sensible and level-headed people he’d ever met. True, she was no Noldo, but Indis had been no Noldo either; mingling of the Kindreds was bound to happen, and as any Noldorin smith would tell you, alloys were the stronger metals. Much like Indis, Ianneth had done as fine a job as queen as any Noldorin woman could have managed. 

 

“Henthael,” Ianneth said, returning his nod, “hello. Are you keeping well?”

 

“As well as any of us, my lady. I’m dead sick of all this snow, but who isn’t?”

 

Ianneth hummed in agreement as she sorted out the pillowcases and submerged them in the water trough beside him. They worked in companionable silence for a while, and then Ianneth said, “So, you’re encouraging my daughter to go into politics.”

 

For a moment, Henthael stilled in his work, suddenly wondering if he’d misstepped in urging Ereiniel to take on a position of leadership. Perhaps Ianneth arriving here at the same time as him hadn’t been a coincidence. Perhaps Ianneth disagreed with his suggestion.

 

“Does she not have your blessing, my lady?” he asked quietly.

 

“Oh, she does,” said Ianneth. “I think her father would be proud of her, knowing that she’s looking to take on the responsibility. He always told her that she came from a line of kings, and that kings have a duty to care for their people. I’m just wondering – what made you suggest it? I know you’re fond of her, but she is rather young. She only came of age at the beginning of the year.”

 

Henthael didn’t answer right away, but continued scrubbing at his tunic, smelling the mint in the steaming water as he tried to formulate his thoughts. He knew why he supported Ereiniel, but he hadn’t told Ereiniel the whole truth when he’d urged her to think about her duties.

 

Still, with Ianneth, honesty would surely be the best policy.

 

“I didn’t tell her this, my lady,” he said, “but I’ll tell you. Fingolfin is dead. Fingon is dead. Turgon is king. And believe me, I wish Turgon no misfortune; long may he live and long may he reign. But given the state of things…I think there’s a good chance that he may not live all that long. After him, we have the lady Aredhel’s son – I can’t remember his name – but if he dies, the House of Finwë will have run out of men. At least, men who aren’t Dispossessed. And I don’t think any of us here want one of Fëanor’s sons on the throne.”

 

Abdicating on behalf of his entire bloodline had been the smartest thing Maedhros had ever done.

 

“We’ll need to look elsewhere for our leaders,” he continued. “We could do worse than Ereiniel. Yes, she’s young, but she cares, she works hard, and she’s got a good head on her shoulders. Rather like you, really. She inherited your common sense, which is probably one of the best things you could have given her. If Gondolin falls, I would put my trust in your daughter.”

 

Ianneth was silent, and she’d let the pillowcase rest unheeded in the water. “You have a lot of faith in her,” she said.

 

“I would have followed Fingolfin to the gates of Angband itself if he had asked me,” Henthael said, his voice soft and serious. “Ereiniel reminds me very much of him. You say you think Fingon would be proud of her. I think Fingolfin would be proud of her, too. He loved her dearly.”

 

“I suppose I should thank you, then, for your support.”

 

“Of course, my lady. She’ll have my support as long as she needs it.”

Because, Henthael thought, I know someone fit to be a king when I see them.

Chapter End Notes

Celebrimbor is up next!

 

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